The main aim of the bursaries was to offer artistic and professional development opportunities that responded to, and supported, the needs of artists as they change throughout their career; from those of recent graduates and emerging artists.Over the next two years, fifteen people received funding, ranging from a percussive dancer, to a composer, jewellers, a filmmaker, a stonemason and a poet.

The funding allowed them to undertake a programme of activity that drew directly on the expertise and experience of the partner organisations. Additional support was provided in a variety of ways, including; critical dialogues and feedback sessions, attending events, trying out ideas and offering, as appropriate, a platform for presenting a final outcome or production of work.

Emma Nicolson ATLAS Director said of the programme when it was launched: ‘We were delighted when Creative Scotland asked ATLAS Arts if it would manage a fund being offered to this area to develop emerging talent across all artforms. Local talent will be given the opportunity to develop and share their work. It is also about developing the peer network and using the infrastructure of venues, organisations and expertise to support and contribute to the artist’s development and offer opportunities to showcase and profile the artists being funded. This may involve appointing or acting as mentors, bringing expertise to the island for master classes and providing opportunities that enable the artists to deliver their work to audiences in Skye and or beyond.’

Skye and Lochalsh Talent Development Initiative // Quotes from the partners;

Aros, Donald MacDonald

‘This scheme gave a unique opportunity for individuals to engage with the visual and performing arts and as evidenced by the number of applications there is certainly demand for this type of support. If possible, we would like to see this scheme continue. Aros, as a venue, was pleased to engage with artists and hope that the contacts made will continue into the future as we all strive for new and innovative ways to develop skills and develop audiences.’

Fèisean nan Gaidheal, Arthur Cormack

‘This has been a rewarding exercise for the partners to gain insight into the work of local aspiring talent. During the two rounds of funding we have heard from a wide range of artists; writers, poets, dancers, musicians, photographers, singers, performers, as well as visual artists. The awards offered great scope; to create new work or for mentoring and skills development, and was open to all arts professionals. The application process allowed plenty time to discuss applications with any of the partners and to work up strong applications.’

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Kath MacLeod

‘With our commitment to the Gaelic arts and culture, we have welcomed this opportunity to work with arts organisations in the area in supporting emerging artists and arts professionals to reach the next stage of their development to showcase the talent of Skye & Lochalsh.’

SEALL, Duncan MacInnes

‘We’re delighted to be one of the partners in this project. For many years we have provided a platform for local and visiting artists. It is a major addition to our purpose that we can now help that talent develop.’

To mark the culmination of the Skye and Lochalsh Talent Development Initiative, which was celebrated as part of GATHER | CONNECT | INSPIRE 2016, ATLAS produced a free magazine. The aim was to document the event through photography and explore and preserve the conversations that emerged as part of the project.

Skye and Lochalsh Talent Development Initiative // All The Way Home | Leighton Jones

Photograph: Kirsty Yoxon

All The Way Home by Leighton Jones was developed as part of the 2015 Skye and Lochalsh Talent Development Initiative.

The EP is an immersive tale of a love lost by the sea, found by the sea and brought back home by the sea. The record is inspired by the two places Jones calls home, the Isle of Skye where he moved with his parents when nine years old, and West Yorkshire on the Keighley Worth Valley Railway where he spent his early childhood.

It draws stylistically on the musical influences, geography and atmospheric parallels of these areas – the folk music of the islands, colliery brass bands, wide-open moors and mountains, the ocean and big horizons.

Read more about the making of the EP and the story behind its creation in Leighton’s recent interview with Creative Scotland. A preview of the EP can be found on SoundCloud.